Show 568, March 9, 2024: Allegretto Wines at Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Paso Robles

Liz Strubbe of Allegretto Wines

“Hotelier Douglas Ayres ;(and Allegretto Wines’ proprietor) first fell in love with the beauty Paso Robles offers when he and his Family vacationed in the region during his childhood. Doug, whose Southern California Family has been commercial and residential developers since 1905, decided to establish the Allegretto Vineyard Resort as a place where wine enthusiasts could find tranquility, rest, relax, and renew.”

“In 2013, Douglas Ayres acquired the 40-acre Willow Creek Vineyard in the Willow Creek AVA of Paso Robles, with 18-acres planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1997. Today other estate varietals include Malbec, Cab Franc, Petite Verdot and Merlot. The Allegretto Estate Vineyard, surrounding the Resort, was planted in 2012 with 7- acres of vines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, Merlot, Viognier, and Vermentino. The first harvest was 2015 which coincided with the opening of the Allegretto Vineyard Resort.”

Rory Longley of Allegretto Wines

“Allegretto Wines utilizes sustainable practices in both vineyards by emphasizing biodynamic farming practices that provide optimal times for sowing, transporting, cultivation and harvesting using biodynamic preparations.”

“The Allegretto Wines tasting room is located inside the picturesque Allegretto Vineyard Resort and al fresco tastings are offered on the patio. Tableside Wine tastings are offered daily and reservations are encouraged.”

The new Winemaker at Allegretto is the acclaimed Don Burns, the proprietor of Turtle Rock Vineyards.

Allegretto Wines Director of Hospitality, Liz Strubbe, and Tasting Room Manager, Rory Longley, join us to uncork all that is Allegretto Wines.

Show 553, November 25, 2023: Switchback Ridge Winery, Calistoga, with Sommelier Pierson Ryan Part One

Ryan Pierson of Switchback Ridge

Switchback Ridge winery produces handcrafted estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah sourced exclusively from the Peterson Family Vineyard in Calistoga, Napa Valley.” In recent years they have added a non-estate Sauvignon Blanc (with meticulously sourced premium fruit) to broaden the line.

“In 1914, Eliza and Mads Peterson purchased a 100-acre property located on the floor of the Napa Valley at the mouth of Dutch Henry Canyon. Both Eliza and Mads had immigrated to the United States in the late 1800s–Eliza from Ireland and Mads from Denmark–and headed westward as so many did at that time, seeking a place to call home.”

“The property, located just off the Silverado Trail between St. Helena and Calistoga, hosted a small Zinfandel vineyard. With the onset of Prohibition in 1920, prunes quickly became the cash crop in Napa Valley, and the Petersons planted a plum orchard to help provide for their large family. Caring for the orchard, as well as a large vegetable garden and numerous farm animals, was a full-time job for the whole family, including the six boys and three girls.”

“When the time came to pass the property on, the daughters, and not the sons, took the responsibility. Vera, Carrie, and Mae worked to preserve the family legacy, maintaining the buildings, plum orchard, vegetable garden and livestock. Vera worked the land, Carrie managed the books and Mae returned each summer to help the harvest. Vera’s son, John Peterson, grew up working the farm and, in turn, taught his children, Trish, Kelly and Johnny, the reward of hard work. The inspiration sparked by Mads’s dream, set a true legacy in motion.”

“Slowly the plum orchards transitioned to vineyards, and by the 1990s grape vines were thriving on the property that once hosted plums. The soils with plenty of drainage and a warm, sunny climate made the area perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah. There are currently 21 acres under vine, which includes a sixty-plus year-old block of dry farmed Petite Sirah that John Peterson helped plant as a young child.”

“The inspiration to embark upon a family wine project first came to Kelly (representing the 4th generation of Peterson Family ownership) in 1995 with the death of her great aunt, Carrie. Auntie, as she was affectionately called, emphatically insisted that her old vine block of Petite Sirah, or “Pets” as she called them, “not be touched” when the property was replanted in 1990. At the time there was little respect or interest in Petite Sirah and total acreage in California was down to an all-time low of only 1,700 acres. After her death, there was a renewed interest in the variety and Kelly vowed to make a Petite Sirah varietal wine in her honor. That dream became a reality in 1999, with the help of family friend and winemaker Bob Foley, when Switchback Ridge produced its first vintage.”

“Switchback Ridge is named for the winding trails in the hills above the vineyard that John explored as a child. Today Kelly Peterson continues the legacy that began with her great-grandfather, Mads, over a hundred years ago.”

Certified Sommelier Pierson Ryan who is the National Sales Director for Switchback Ridge joins us to pull the cork on all that is Switchback Ridge.

Show 553, November 25, 2023: Switchback Ridge Winery, Calistoga, with Sommelier Pierson Ryan Part Two

Ryan Pierson of Switchback Ridge

Switchback Ridge winery produces handcrafted estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah sourced exclusively from the Peterson Family Vineyard in Calistoga, Napa Valley.” In recent years they have added a non-estate Sauvignon Blanc (with meticulously sourced fruit) to broaden the line.

“In 1914, Eliza and Mads Peterson purchased a 100-acre property located on the floor of the Napa Valley at the mouth of Dutch Henry Canyon. Both Eliza and Mads had immigrated to the United States in the late 1800s–Eliza from Ireland and Mads from Denmark–and headed westward as so many did at that time, seeking a place to call home.”

“When the time came to pass the property on, the daughters, and not the sons, took the responsibility. Vera, Carrie, and Mae worked to preserve the family legacy, maintaining the buildings, plum orchard, vegetable garden and livestock. Vera worked the land, Carrie managed the books and Mae returned each summer to help the harvest. Vera’s son, John Peterson, grew up working the farm and, in turn, taught his children, Trish, Kelly and Johnny, the reward of hard work. The inspiration sparked by Mads’s dream, set a true legacy in motion.”

“Slowly the plum orchards transitioned to vineyards, and by the 1990s grape vines were thriving on the property that once hosted plums. The soils with plenty of drainage and a warm, sunny climate made the area perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah. There are currently 21 acres under vine, which includes a sixty-plus year-old block of dry farmed Petite Sirah that John Peterson helped plant as a young child.”

“The inspiration to embark upon a family wine project first came to Kelly (representing the 4th generation of Peterson Family ownership) in 1995 with the death of her great aunt, Carrie. Auntie, as she was affectionately called, emphatically insisted that her old vine block of Petite Sirah, or “Pets” as she called them, “not be touched” when the property was replanted in 1990. At the time there was little respect or interest in Petite Sirah and total acreage in California was down to an all-time low of only 1,700 acres. After her death, there was a renewed interest in the variety and Kelly vowed to make a Petite Sirah varietal wine in her honor. That dream became a reality in 1999, with the help of family friend and winemaker Bob Foley, when Switchback Ridge produced its first vintage.”

“Switchback Ridge is named for the winding trails in the hills above the vineyard that John explored as a child. Today Kelly Peterson continues the legacy that began with her great-grandfather, Mads, over a hundred years ago.”

Certified Sommelier Pierson Ryan who is the National Sales Director for Switchback Ridge stays with us pulling the cork on all that is Switchback Ridge.

Show 545, September 30, 2023: Village 360 and BackRoad Vines, Suisun Valley / Fairfield with Proprietress Jody Anselmo

Jody Anselmo of Back Road Vines

“Located in beautiful Suisun Valley adjacent to Fairfield, BackRoad Vines Winery and Venue is dedicated to bringing back the traditional “Old School” art form of wine making. Their approach to handcrafting unique and distinctive wines has developed through experience and taking time to smell the wines.”

“Plan a visit to the ‘backroads’ and enjoy a glass of wine in the tasting room or lunch on the patio. BackRoad Vines specializes in Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and red blends. The winery also features two bocce ball courts and a small creek just a short walk from the tasting room. Summer and fall events are very popular and may include bocce ball league and tournaments, wood-fire pizza nights, or live music.”

The Landing restaurant at Village 360 serves Lunch Monday thru Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Think Creole Salmon with seasonal woodfired veggies, quinoa, black beans, cilantro with a honey chipotle aioli. Desserts from their accomplished in-house pastry chef (ex-Thomas Keller‘s Bouchon Yountville) are a bonus. Dinner is Friday only from 5 to 9:00 p.m. Sunday Brunch is served from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Reservations are suggested.

Proprietress Jody Anselmo joins us to pull the cork on all that is BackRoad Vines Winery.

Show 538, August 12, 2023: Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria with Tim Wanner, Director of Hospitality and Sales Part One

Tim Wanner of Presqu'ile

This year the Murphy family is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the handsome Presqu’ile Tasting Room in Santa Maria Valley “where for a decade they’ve been sharing their estate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté, Gamay, Nebbiolo and méthode champenoise sparkling wines.”

“The winery began in 2007, but the opening of the architecturally significant modern-meets-rustic hospitality center marked a new chapter in the Murphy’s unwavering dedication to growing, producing and sharing premium cool-climate estate wines in the heart of the Santa Maria Valley.”

“Located less than two miles from Highway 101 in Northern Santa Barbara County, the hilltop Tasting Room and encompassing ranch are designed to complement the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Presqu’ile’s organic vineyards, while delivering a respite for guests and wine club members. From the arrival down the private mile-long drive, to the fireside alfresco lounge spaces, every detail is designed to create lasting memories for guests.”

“Wine should be inspiring, joyous and relaxed, so we share our wines with enthusiasm but without pretense,” says Matt Murphy, Presqu’ile’s president. “We like to think of it as an elevated wine experience steeped in our family’s tradition of laidback Southern hospitality.”

Since opening, the estate’s guest experiences have evolved and expanded. Presqu’ile now offers five different guest experiences open to the public. The Wine & Food Experience, for example, features a curated tasting flight paired with Chef Julie Simon’s Mezze Picnic. “Chef Julie’s menus are crafted from the winery’s organic one-acre vegetable and herb garden and feature the seasonal bounties of the Santa Maria Valley’s top purveyors.”

Another standout experience is the “Wine & Food Tour which includes a private walking tour through Presqu’ile’s wine caves, the winery and up to their estate hilltop pond. Guests then settle into a private, 5th floor lookout terrace for a sumptuous food and wine pairing while taking in the unobstructed views of the vineyard, the San Rafael Mountains, Solomon Hills, and Pacific Ocean.”

Tim Wanner, Presqu’ile’s Director of Hospitality and Sales, joins us to gently pull the cork on all that is Presqu’ile.

Show 538, August 12, 2023: Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria with Tim Wanner, Director of Hospitality and Sales Part Two

Tim Wanner of Presqu'ile

This year the Murphy family is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the handsome Presqu’ile Tasting Room in Santa Maria Valley “where for a decade they’ve been sharing their estate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté, Gamay, Nebbiolo and méthode champenoise sparkling wines.”

“The winery began in 2007, but the opening of the architecturally significant modern-meets-rustic hospitality center marked a new chapter in the Murphy’s unwavering dedication to growing, producing and sharing premium cool-climate estate wines in the heart of the Santa Maria Valley.”

“Located less than two miles from Highway 101 in Northern Santa Barbara County, the hilltop Tasting Room and encompassing ranch are designed to complement the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Presqu’ile’s organic vineyards, while delivering a respite for guests and wine club members. From the arrival down the private mile-long drive, to the fireside alfresco lounge spaces, every detail is designed to create lasting memories for guests.”

“Wine should be inspiring, joyous and relaxed, so we share our wines with enthusiasm but without pretense,” says Matt Murphy, Presqu’ile’s president. “We like to think of it as an elevated wine experience steeped in our family’s tradition of laidback Southern hospitality.”

Since opening, the estate’s guest experiences have evolved and expanded. Presqu’ile now offers five different guest experiences open to the public. The Wine & Food Experience, for example, features a curated tasting flight paired with Chef Julie Simon’s Mezze Picnic. “Chef Julie’s menus are crafted from the winery’s organic one-acre vegetable and herb garden and feature the seasonal bounties of the Santa Maria Valley’s top purveyors.”

Another standout experience is the “Wine & Food Tour which includes a private walking tour through Presqu’ile’s wine caves, the winery and up to their estate hilltop pond. Guests then settle into a private, 5th floor lookout terrace for a sumptuous food and wine pairing while taking in the unobstructed views of the vineyard, the San Rafael Mountains, Solomon Hills, and Pacific Ocean.”

Tim Wanner, Presqu’ile’s Director of Hospitality and Sales, continues with us gently pulling the cork on all that is Presqu’ile.

Show 486, August 6, 2022: Steven Kent Mirassou, Steven Kent Winery, Livermore Part One

Steven Kent Mirassou of the Lineage Collection

The Steven Kent Winery was started in 1996 with one mission: to make Cabernet in the Livermore Valley that rivals in quality the greatest red wines made anywhere in the world.”

“By the turn of the last century, Livermore Valley was already far ahead of its Napa Valley neighbor in specializing in the Bordeaux varieties. The goal at Steven Kent is to carry on that tradition.” Steven Kent Mirassou joins us to pull the cork on all that is The Steven Kent Winery.

“Steven Kent Mirassou is the 6th-generation winemaker for The Lineage Collection located in the Livermore Valley. Steven has been making wine for his four separate brands since 1996 and regards his growing area as one of the finest in the world for Bordeaux varieties. Though Steven started out making Cabernet Sauvignon, he fell in love with the Loire Valley version of Cabernet Franc in the early 2000s. He regards this grape to be the sexiest, most alluring, most complex in the world.”

“The fact that the Livermore Valley is one of the finest areas in California to grow this grape makes the marriage between variety and obsession much more likely to succeed at a world-class quality level. L’Autre Côte is a Cabernet Franc brand whose mission is to make single-vineyard wines from great sites that create emotional connections between the winemaker and the wine drinker and that highlight the unequaled elegance and complexity of this grape.”

The best wines are balanced wines that reveal the site, the variety, and the winemaking vision in a way that makes our wines memorable. We create wines that celebrate the lushness of California while maintaining a more acid-driven, tannic style that speaks of the Old World.”

“Steven Kent Winery wines are aged in 100% French oak barrels. The percentage of new oak to once or second-used barrel is dependent upon how much organoleptic contribution they think the wines need from wood. Generally, they use only 50-60% new barrel, believing that the aromas and flavors of fruit are much more delicious than those derived from wood.”

“Steven Kent Winery blends are often elaborate, and they are made as early in the aging process as possible. They have found that the best, most complex and delicious blends are those that have ample time for each individual variety to marry harmoniously with its mates.”

Show 486, August 6, 2022: Steven Kent Mirassou, Steven Kent Winery, Livermore Part Two

Steven Kent Mirassou of the Lineage Collection

The Steven Kent Winery was started in 1996 with one mission: to make Cabernet in the Livermore Valley that rivals in quality the greatest red wines made anywhere in the world.”

“By the turn of the last century, Livermore Valley was already far ahead of its Napa Valley neighbor in specializing in the Bordeaux varieties. The goal at Steven Kent is to carry on that tradition.” Steven Kent Mirassou joins us to pull the cork on all that is The Steven Kent Winery.

“Steven Kent Mirassou is the 6th-generation winemaker for The Lineage Collection located in the Livermore Valley. Steven has been making wine for his four separate brands since 1996 and regards his growing area as one of the finest in the world for Bordeaux varieties. Though Steven started out making Cabernet Sauvignon, he fell in love with the Loire Valley version of Cabernet Franc in the early 2000s. He regards this grape to be the sexiest, most alluring, most complex in the world.”

“The fact that the Livermore Valley is one of the finest areas in California to grow this grape makes the marriage between variety and obsession much more likely to succeed at a world-class quality level. L’Autre Côte is a Cabernet Franc brand whose mission is to make single-vineyard wines from great sites that create emotional connections between the winemaker and the wine drinker and that highlight the unequaled elegance and complexity of this grape.”

The best wines are balanced wines that reveal the site, the variety, and the winemaking vision in a way that makes our wines memorable. We create wines that celebrate the lushness of California while maintaining a more acid-driven, tannic style that speaks of the Old World.”

“Steven Kent Winery wines are aged in 100% French oak barrels. The percentage of new oak to once or second-used barrel is dependent upon how much organoleptic contribution they think the wines need from wood. Generally, they use only 50-60% new barrel, believing that the aromas and flavors of fruit are much more delicious than those derived from wood.”

Show 451, November 13, 2021: John Shaw and Lisa Cuevas Shaw, Alma Sol Winery, Paso Robles Part One

John Shaw of Alma Sol Winery

Alma Sol is a family-owned and operated, micro-boutique winery, sourcing premium fruit from both Estate and other top vineyard sites in the beautiful Paso Robles appellation. From the very beginning, the mission has been to craft exceptional Bordeaux wines, both single varietals and special blends – though they will occasionally be inspired to produce limited releases of non-Bordeaux varietals as well. Alma Sol hand-picks their grapes in small lots, respects the fruit, guide its natural potential, and simply focus on hands-on, artisan winemaking.”

“It all began in 2002, during weekend trips to the family’s vineyard in Paso Robles and spending more time with the family business. In Paso Robles, they found the winemakers and winery owners highly accessible and approachable – so much so, that they came to know the area and the industry extremely well in little time. It started with learning about vineyard practices, the kinds of varietals that grow well in the area, and then gradually extended into learning about the entire winemaking operation.”

“John and Lisa became officially licensed in 2009 under the name of Alma Sol, which brings together two critical elements needed to craft exceptional wines – “soul” and “sun”. While Paso is well-known for its Zinfandel – and more recently, award-winning Rhone varietals and blends – John and Lisa decided that they wanted to make the best Cabernet Sauvignon they could by using Paso Robles fruit, to prove that a great Bordeaux could be realized in the Central Coast. Their first commercial vintage was in 2009. The inaugural releases received numerous accolades, including 90 Pts from Wine Enthusiast.”

“John and Lisa run the entire operation on their own. On the operations side, this includes overseeing the Alma Sol estate vineyard, scouting and selecting fruit sources beyond the estate vineyard, harvesting and processing the fruit, selecting and managing the barrel program to draw out distinctive flavor profiles, designing and creating the wine label and packaging, bottling, warehousing, and marketing and selling. All of this is done with a primary goal of sharing and distributing these hand-crafted wines among local communities in Southern California and beyond.”

Proprietors John and Lisa Shaw are our guests to uncork all that is Alma Sol Winery. They are joining us from the 10th Anniversary Garagiste Wine Festival in Paso Robles.

Show 451, November 13, 2021: John Shaw and Lisa Cuevas Shaw, Alma Sol Winery, Paso Robles Part Two

John Shaw of Alma Sol Winery

Alma Sol is a family-owned and operated, micro-boutique winery, sourcing premium fruit from both Estate and other top vineyard sites in the beautiful Paso Robles appellation. From the very beginning, the mission has been to craft exceptional Bordeaux wines, both single varietals and special blends – though they will occasionally be inspired to produce limited releases of non-Bordeaux varietals as well. Alma Sol hand-picks their grapes in small lots, respects the fruit, guide its natural potential, and simply focus on hands-on, artisan winemaking.”

“It all began in 2002, during weekend trips to the family’s vineyard in Paso Robles and spending more time with the family business. In Paso Robles, they found the winemakers and winery owners highly accessible and approachable – so much so, that they came to know the area and the industry extremely well in little time. It started with learning about vineyard practices, the kinds of varietals that grow well in the area, and then gradually extended into learning about the entire winemaking operation.”

“John and Lisa became officially licensed in 2009 under the name of Alma Sol, which brings together two critical elements needed to craft exceptional wines – “soul” and “sun”. While Paso is well-known for its Zinfandel – and more recently, award-winning Rhone varietals and blends – John and Lisa decided that they wanted to make the best Cabernet Sauvignon they could by using Paso Robles fruit, to prove that a great Bordeaux could be realized in the Central Coast. Their first commercial vintage was in 2009. The inaugural releases received numerous accolades, including 90 Pts from Wine Enthusiast.”

“John and Lisa run the entire operation on their own. On the operations side, this includes overseeing the Alma Sol estate vineyard, scouting and selecting fruit sources beyond the estate vineyard, harvesting and processing the fruit, selecting and managing the barrel program to draw out distinctive flavor profiles, designing and creating the wine label and packaging, bottling, warehousing, and marketing and selling. All of this is done with a primary goal of sharing and distributing these hand-crafted wines among local communities in Southern California and beyond.”

Proprietors John and Lisa Shaw continue with us to uncork all that is Alma Sol Winery. They are joining us from the 10th Anniversary Garagiste Wine Festival in Paso Robles.